Hydraulic Unloading Valve Control for Reduced Parasitic Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proportional flow control (PFC) hydraulic systems suffer from inefficiencies such as hydraulic fluid losses to the tank due to fixed restrictions, leading to increased heat load and power consumption, especially during partial implement commands, and introduce complexity and potential failure points with separate float unloading valve components.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with enhanced electrical control using a proportionally controllable unloading valve and a controller to regulate the opening based on system inputs, allowing variable unloading functionality to mitigate parasitic losses and improve efficiency by preventing fluid flow to the tank during partial actuator commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed restriction is used in the flow control valve to enable standby controls and power-generating functions, then the hydraulic system can transition between operation modes and maintain precise pressure levels, but hydraulic fluid losses to the tank increase leading to decreased efficiency and increased heat load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed restriction with a variable restriction mechanism that can dynamically adjust its flow resistance based on system operating conditions. The flow control valve's restriction is made adjustable to match actual system needs, reducing unnecessary fluid diversion to the tank during partial implement commands while maintaining the ability to transition between operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the restriction parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted based on system demands. By modifying the restriction parameter dynamically, the system optimizes fluid flow distribution to minimize energy losses while maintaining pressure control and operational versatility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate float unloading valve components are used to enable low hydraulic pump loads during cold engine start, then the hydraulic pump can operate at reduced pressure, but the hydraulic circuit complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the float unloading valve functionality with the existing flow control valve assembly. Instead of using separate float unloading valve components, the invention integrates the unloading function into the flow control valve, reducing the number of components and potential failure points while maintaining the ability to reduce hydraulic pump load during cold engine start.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the flow control valve for implement operations and the float unloading valve for cold engine start conditions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated unloading valve components, simplifying the hydraulic circuit while maintaining all required functions.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a hydraulic system may include a tank, a hydraulic pump, an actuator, and an unloading valve positioned between the pump and the tank. The hydraulic system may receive one or more inputs associated with the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system may determine, based on the one or more inputs, one or more desired system pressures associated with the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system may proportionally regulate an opening of the unloading valve to operate the hydraulic system at the one or more desired system pressures.